Conrad (Carrington Book 2)

by Talia Carmichael

  Conrad

  Carrington

  Talia Carmichael

  All Rights Reserved

  Conrad

  Carrington, Book # 2

  Copyright © 2020 Talia Carmichael.

  2nd Edition

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  All Rights Reserved. This book is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form not known or hereafter invented or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Web-without permission in writing from the publisher or author. The unauthorized replication or allocation of any copyrighted work is illegal. File sharing is an international crime, prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Border Patrol, Division of Cyber Crimes, in partnership with Interpol. Copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is punishable by the fullest extent of the law.

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  Cover content is for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted on the cover is a model.

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  Published by Simply Sophisticated Publishing

  Cover Design by: MMJ @ MMJ Designs mmjdesigns.com

  Dedication

  To my mom and sister, whose love of reading made me pick up my first book, which ultimately led me on this path to become an author. Thanks for passing on your love of reading and your support. To my mom, who has always been my number one reader, although you are no longer with me I know you are smiling down each time I publish a book. To St. Thomas, USVI whose beauty inspired me when I was growing up and sparked my imagination which shaped me into who I am today. To the people of the USVI with each Hurricane the landscape of our home becomes changed but the spirit of what makes us who we are will never be changed.

  To the readers who enjoy when I fill your cravings with my books. I appreciate and thank you all for your support and emails.

  Contents

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Also by Talia Carmichael

  Additional Books By Talia Carmichael

  About the Author

  Blurb

  Conrad

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  By: Talia Carmichael

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  Book Two in the Carrington Series

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  Sometimes it takes one special moment to change your life forever …

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  Conrad Kendrick knows he has something special with Jade. Yet Jade has been acting distant and weird…well weirder than usual. Conrad isn’t going to let the stubborn man get away from him. They might be busy and have obligations but Conrad knows what’s most important—keeping the man who has claimed his heart. Now if he could just convince Jade to go along with what he has planned.

  Jade Blakstone is trying hard not to give away anything away. It’s tough when you have a determined man who you can’t keep your hands off of. Conrad is his and Jade doesn’t plan to let him get away. With the holidays approaching Jade has plans for the firefighter who has captured his heart. To achieve his plan all he needs is to find one special moment…

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  This book is best read in order as part of the series.

  Chapter One

  The sight of the man who was his made, Conrad Kendrick want to drag him somewhere more private so they could get up close and personal. At the moment that wasn’t possible so instead he enjoyed the view of Jade lost in the music as he and his band practiced. The intensity Jade had was currently focused on pouring all his energy into the drums he was playing. Conrad hardened even more looking at him and imagining just last night when Jade had turned that unwavering attention on him.

  Conrad leaned his shoulder against the doorframe and studied the man he was in a relationship with. A commitment that he never thought he would find someone to make with. But damn if Jade hadn’t snuck under his defenses. He also knew that he’d snuck under Jade’s too. Yeah he’d seen the looks from Jade —that baffled what am I doing? expression. Whenever he did see them, Conrad wasn’t sure if Jade would break things off or not. The sudden silence registered and Conrad realized he had spaced out watching Jade. He blinked and was captured in that green gaze. Before he gave in Conrad studied the rest of Jade.

  Jade’s rich green hair was pulled into a ponytail high on his head leaving that gorgeous face bare to the view. All those captivating angles of his face made Jade not handsome but a sexy man with a roguish air. Conrad stifled a laugh, making note to tell Jade that later. He’d get a kick out of it. Jade licked his lips and Conrad followed the action with his gaze as that cupid bow mouth with killer dimples on each side glistened slightly. He wanted to kiss him so bad. Jade lifted his head and the firm jaw Conrad liked to lick down to the chin with a slight dent in the center was even more visible. Add to that the sweat on his skin Conrad was finding it hard to stay where he was.

  “Oh oh, our groupie is back,” a man with a rich baritone said.

  Without even looking, Conrad recognized Asher Knight. Conrad just flipped him off. He along with the other men in the room laughed. Joining them, Conrad glanced around at the men who made up Blakstorm Knights. Besides Jade and his brother, Micah, there were only two others who were related to each other as well as to them—their cousins Galen and Asher. They were also brothers and had been adopted by Jade’s uncle and aunt when they were babies. Asher was African American and Galen Scottish. There was also Storm MacKenzie and Romy Silva—the other two men in the band—were close friends. All of the men had grown up together. The way they all liked to tell it is that they were six brothers in an eclectic family. Although Conrad had gotten to know them in the months he’d been dating Jade, Conrad was still taken with how sexy they all were as well as colorful. The hair and eye color range was memorable. Many thought it was a gimmick but now that he knew Jade and everyone better Conrad knew it was their thing even before they formed the group. Curious he’d asked when it had started for each of them and Conrad had found each man’s tale fascinating.

  “You’re just jealous that you don’t have such a hot personal groupie.” Storm winked at Conrad.

  “Hell I’d settle for someone to rub my feet.” Romy smirked.

  “No one wants to rub those ashy things.” Galen made a gagging noise.

  “Hey I take care of these babies.” Romy wiggled his bare toes.

  Conrad shook his head. The man hated shoes and took them off at the first opportunity.

  “You all have no decorum.” Micah rolled his eyes as he squatted beside the mike. He glanced at Conrad. “Thought you were off fighting fires.”

  “Got out early.” Conrad headed toward Jade.

  “Lucky we are done for the day then,” Micah drawled. “Jade will be useless now he knows that you are.”

  Conrad didn’t even try to stop his smug grin. Jade flipped off his brothers as he came from behind his drum kit. They meet in front of them and Jade leaned in and kissed him. Conrad opened and pulled him close enjoying the lazy exploration of Jade’s tongue along his.

  “Is it hot in here? Or is it me,” Asher spoke close to them.

  Much too close from
where he had been standing when Conrad came in. Conrad pulled back slightly from the kiss and turned his head. He blinked as he met pale gray eyes.

  “Yeah, yeah it is,” Galen spoke to his left also sounding too close.

  Conrad moved his head that way and met his magenta gaze. He then focused on Jade.

  “I thought you were working on their recognizing personal space.”

  Jade’s green gaze twinkled. “It’s a useless work in progress. None of these guys know the meaning of personal space.”

  “Uh-uh. That’s not true. We don’t watch each other fuck,” Galen said.

  “I don’t want to see any of your bony asses,” Asher growled.

  Micah countered. “Like we want to see yours anyway.”

  The men started to tease as they usually did. Conrad tuned them out.

  “You ready to go?” Conrad kissed Jade softly.

  “Yeah.” Jade smiled.

  “Aww…they look so cute together,” Storm said making a cooing noise as he joined them, also standing too close.

  Conrad stared at him shocked.

  “Dude, don’t ever make that sound again.” Galen reached out to smack Storm.

  Storm easily caught his hand and tugged him close. Conrad quickly moved Jade and himself out of the way. The men tended to like to wrestle. Surprisingly they just grinned at Conrad and winked.

  “What are you two up to?”

  “Nothing,” the men said together.

  It only made Conrad more suspicious. The men looked at Jade and made obvious gestures he should speak. Conrad turned and faced Jade waiting to see what was going on. Jade didn’t say anything but that closed off look that he’d had lately was on his face. Conrad frowned unsure what it meant. Although he hadn’t received any answer previously when he asked he did so anyway.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” Jade said then cupped his cheek kissing him thoroughly.

  When he pulled back Conrad stared at him. “Although that was nice, it still doesn’t answer my question.”

  “Nice.” Jade scowled. “If my kisses are just nice I’m not doing them right.”

  “I could show Conrad how,” Galen offered.

  “No, let me,” Asher interjected.

  “You two don’t know how to kiss if it bit you in the ass,” Romy stated. “I’m better at it. I’ll do it.”

  “None of you will. It’s my duty as big brother,” Micah said.

  Conrad ignored them knowing they were teasing and none would even do such a thing. Jade shook his head and glanced at the men.

  “Don’t make me beat all of you.”

  “You wish,” Micah said.

  The rest chimed in getting more colorful. As they bantered back and forth, Conrad watched Jade wondering what was going on. He’d been acting distant and weird lately. Well weirder that usual. It was as if he was distancing himself from him. At the thought a pang of pain filled Conrad. He was not going to stand for it. Determination filled him and he made a silent vow he wasn’t going to let Jade push him away. He loved Jade and to him this was a long-term commitment.

  “Conrad,” Jade called.

  And from the tone Conrad realized he had probably called him more than once. “Yeah.”

  “Let’s go.”

  He nodded and lifted his hand to the others. They all said good-bye as he and Jade left the practice room in Micah’s house. They exited through the back door and crossed the spacious yard to Jade’s then strolled toward the back deck. Conrad didn’t really see the beautiful foliage and oasis of either Micah’s or Jade’s yard. His thoughts were focused on how to get Jade to open up and talk with him. Jade was stubborn and to get something out of him he’d have to wait him out. He’d learned that from the almost eight months they had been together. Jade slid his hand into his and Conrad leaned against his shoulder as they walked.

  “How was your day?” Jade asked his usual.

  “Slow. Not much going on. That’s a good thing but makes for a long shift.” Conrad thought of the day he’d had and the men he’d worked with. “Your cousin Reuben is nothing like his brothers.”

  “Don’t let him fool you. When he’s at work he is different than when he is home especially when he is around his siblings. They are all crazy. Asher and Galen leading the pack quickly followed by Rueben and the others. My uncle and aunt are saints to put up with them.” Jade paused then laughed. “Then again they inherited it from them.”

  “Now you mention it. Yeah I can see that Reuben is just like them. He has a wicked sense of humor.” Conrad laughed. “He’s driving Ward crazy.”

  Conrad thought of his usually stoic friend Ward Sabooni. Since Reuben had joined the station the man had become irritable. Conrad couldn’t figure out why. And it was only on Ward’s side. Reuben was so affable Conrad couldn’t imagine anything getting the man riled.

  “Hmmm…I bet.”

  Conrad wondered at Jade’s tone. “What are you not telling me?”

  “You’ll figure it out.” Jade chuckled. “And so will they eventually. Do you want to go see Reuben and his band play at Zeus Rising?”

  “He mentioned he has a band.” Conrad clicked his tongue. “I’m curious. I’ve overheard Asher and Galen mention Reuben and him having been in your band before. Why isn’t he part of it now?”

  “His passion was for firefighting. Although he can sing just as well as Micah and play his sax as good as Micah plays the piano. When the two of them were on stage they…well it was electric. But we all knew eventually Reuben would move on. Don’t get me wrong he loves music with his soul. But he didn’t want the notoriety that comes with being a well-known musician.” Jade bit his lip then smiled. “On our latest album, you know the person you keep asking me who it was singing with Micah. That voice you claimed that could make someone come from just listening to it. That’s him.”

  “Wait…what? Why didn’t you tell me that before?” Conrad thought of the song and the man he’s gotten to know. “You’re lying. No way that’s him. He doesn’t sound like that when he speaks.”

  “Okay.”

  “And see that ready agreement makes me know you are pulling my leg.”

  “If you say so.” Jade smiled.

  That little devilish one and Conrad narrowed his eyes. He didn’t know if he should believe him or not.

  “What do you want for lunch?” Jade asked.

  “You mean what am I making for lunch,” Conrad said.

  “If you want to feed me I’m for it.” Jade led him up the stairs to the deck then across the spacious area to the back door. He opened it and they stepped in.

  Conrad immediately went to the fridge. “I left some chicken marinating. How about some asparagus, white rice, and lemon pepper chicken?”

  “Sounds yummy.” Jade took a seat at the kitchen island nearest the stove. “What else happened today?”

  As he cooked Conrad filled him on his day and Jade about his. They were preparing for their Christmas Eve concert in three weeks at the Jarvis Center. It was for charity and one of the few concerts they actually did in Carrington —the city they lived in. The next one was for Valentine’s Day and again for charity. Jade claimed they were on a break from touring and working on their album. Conrad didn’t know what their definition of a break was but they had a few concerts lined up over the next year or so in various cities including here. He guessed it was a break since most were one day and not a lengthy tour. While they talked, Conrad didn’t see or get the weird vibe he’d been getting from Jade.

  Maybe he’ll talk to me soon about what is bugging him.

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  While the night progressed Conrad enjoyed being with Jade. His wit and sharp tongue made for interesting conversation. Later as they got ready for bed Conrad slid between the sheets as he waited for Jade to finish up.

  “You do know that just saying in a snotty voice because I said so doesn’t mean you won the argument.” Conrad increased his voice so Jade could hear him in the adjacent ba
throom.

  “You know it turns you on.” Jade returned.

  “Yeah, yeah it does.” Conrad chuckled. “Are you finished primping and priming princess?”

  “You’re going to pay for that,” Jade said as he came into view in the bathroom doorway.

  Conrad stifled a groan as he took in his naked form. Jade stalked across the room and Conrad reclined on the bed. The predatory movements also turned him on. Jade paused at his side of the bed before he put his knee on the mattress then the other. He crawled toward him and Conrad licked his lips. Jade reached his side then swooped in and kissed him deeply. He pushed off the covers then straddled Conrad all without releasing him from the kiss. Conrad was powerless to resist the sensual man.

  Jade lifted his head and stared at him with lust-filled green eyes. “I love how you give me everything.”

  Conrad’s heart clenched and he returned the look. “Always. I’m yours and you’re mine. And I’m not letting you go.”

  Jade looked confused then it cleared. “You don’t ever have too.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that,” Conrad stated.

  He slid his hand behind Jade’s head and pulled him down to him. Jade settled more firmly against him. Cupping his ass, Conrad licked inside of his mouth. Jade opened and rocked making their two erections slide along each other. The wetness from their pre-cum made the glide more pleasurable. Conrad stroked his finger down each firm globe of his butt before he moved to the crease. He rubbed his finger along the line of his ass then between them. He paused when he felt the slickness and smiled as he slowly released Jade from his kiss.